El Mirage Police seized drugs and a gun in a series of search warrants served on Tuesday following a five-month investigation.

Police said warrants were served on four properties in the 13900 block of North Luna Street in El Mirage, resulting in multiple arrests, as well as the seizure of drugs and a firearm.

In total, the investigation has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects and seizure of more than 400 fentanyl pills, several hundred grams of methamphetamine and one firearm.

Names have not been released. Police said suspect information related to the  warrant service will be provided upon completion of booking into the Maricopa County jail.

In July 2022, the El Mirage Police's Neighborhood Enforcement Team began an investigation into narcotic sales and received reports of firearms being possessed by individuals who were on probation.

During the investigation, NET officers identified five suspects believed to control the drug trade in and around Luna Street, and observed those leaders employ others to sell illicit drugs on their behalf.

More than 50 buyers were observed making purchases during the investigation, which led to several arrests.

One of the suspects will face drug and arson charges following a joint investigation of the EMPD NET officers and the El Mirage Fire Department investigators. The suspect is linked to multiple fires near Luna Street including a dumpster fire near local businesses.

In addition, EMPD obtained probable cause to serve search warrants at the four properties involved in today’s seizures, assisted by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Glendale Police tactical teams and the State Gang Task Force.

Many suspects arrested were found to be on probation and prohibited from possessing firearms. The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department was also on the scene and worked closely with the EMPD NET officers.

“Those selling drugs on Luna Street have poisoned our community, and I directed my team to address this issue to give those living nearby a safer El Mirage,” said El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca in a press release. “The Neighborhood Enforcement Team’s mission is to reduce gun violence and improve neighborhood quality of life. At times, this takes the collective effort of law enforcement, and I want to thank the State Gang Task Force, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Adult Probation, Glendale and Surprise Police Departments and City of El Mirage officials for their support to bring this investigation to a safe and successful conclusion.”

During the execution of the search warrants, the El Mirage Police community resource officer encountered several people on the properties experiencing homelessness, and the Phoenix Rescue Mission responded and provided resources for those in need.

The El Mirage Fire Department and city code officials were also on scene to evaluate the buildings, living conditions and safety of those living in the homes.

The city of Surprise Police Department’s Animal Control Unit responded and removed approximately 12 dogs from the four properties, resulting in animal cruelty charges due to some of the dogs’ conditions.